Kanye West‘s critically acclaimed debut album The College Dropout turned 10 years old this week, and numerous media and entertainment outlets looked back on the rapper’s first project with fond memories. As for West himself, he tweeted extensively about what his first album means to him and shared his perspective on the last decade of his career.
“Ten years ago today we finally released what had been my life’s work up to that point: The College Dropout,” Kanye tweeted Feb. 10. “I say “finally” because it was a long road, a constant struggle, and a true labor of love.”
“To not only convince my peers and the public that I could be an artist, but to actually get that art out for the world to hear,” he added. “I am extremely grateful to each and every person along that road who helped, lent an ear, lent their voice … gave of their heart to that project, and to all the projects that followed, and are to come.”
West has grown much more polarizing in recent years due to numerous controversies, but the mercurial star thanked his fans for sticking by him throughout the ups and downs.
“I am honored and humbled by my fans, for the unwavering support and love over the past ten years,” Ye tweeted. “I wake up every day trying to give something back to you that you can rock to and be proud of.”
“Ten years later I am still the same kid from Chicago, still dreaming out loud, still banging on the door,” stated Kanye. “The doors may be heavier, but I promise you we will break them.”
